BBXtra- Processing Hard Topics
In today's information-saturated world, Christians face a unique challenge: how do we filter through the noise to discover biblical truth on difficult topics? Pastor Brandon addresses this pressing concern in the latest Bible Breakdown Extra episode, offering a comprehensive seven-step framework that empowers believers to approach controversial subjects with both integrity and wisdom.
The digital age has created an environment where anyone with conviction and confidence can appear authoritative. As Pastor Brandon notes, "If someone says something with enough conviction and enough emotion and enough confidence, you tend to give them the benefit of the doubt." This reality has led many Christians to struggle with discerning truth from persuasive rhetoric, especially when scrolling through social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube or searching Google, where algorithms prioritize sponsored content over accuracy.
The cornerstone of Pastor Brandon's framework begins with understanding basic philosophical principles – what he describes as "thinking clearly" or "common sense." He emphasizes three fundamental laws of logic that serve as building blocks for rational thought: the law of non-contradiction (a thing cannot be and not be at the same time in the same respect), the law of excluded middle (a statement is either true or false with no middle option), and the law of identity (something is what it is). These principles aren't modern inventions but timeless truths discovered and articulated by philosophers like Aristotle that provide an essential foundation for logical thinking.
With this logical foundation established, the framework proceeds to establishing the authority of Scripture in a Christian's life. For believers, the Bible isn't merely one source among many but God's inspired revelation – the ultimate authority for faith and practice. This commitment to biblical authority serves as a crucial filter when approaching controversial topics, providing a standard against which all claims must be measured.
The third step involves actually studying what Scripture says about the topic at hand. Using proper hermeneutics – the grammatical-historical method of interpretation – Christians can discover the biblical position by examining context, historical background, and literary form. This requires diligent study but provides the solid ground needed for addressing difficult questions.
Importantly, Pastor Brandon emphasizes the need to carefully consider opposing positions as the fourth step. This isn't merely to win arguments but to ensure we genuinely understand what others believe. He shares a personal experience where he discovered he had completely misunderstood an opposing view and, after proper research, realized he actually agreed with the position he thought he opposed. This intellectual honesty prevents us from arguing against strawman versions of others' beliefs.
The fifth step involves identifying personal biases – perhaps the most challenging aspect of the framework. We all approach topics with predispositions and emotional attachments that can cloud our judgment. Pastor Brandon shares about his own faith crisis where he had to "push all the chips to the middle of the table" and commit to following truth wherever it led, even if it challenged his existing beliefs. This willingness to acknowledge our biases is essential for genuine intellectual integrity.
The sixth step provides practical wisdom by asking, "What hill does this live on?" Not all theological or ethical issues carry equal weight, and Pastor Brandon offers three categories: hills to die on (core, non-negotiable beliefs), hills to debate (important but not relationship-ending disagreements), and hills not worth fighting for ("don't care" issues). This hierarchy helps Christians maintain unity despite differences while still holding firm convictions on essential matters.
The framework concludes with considering the context and application – how our beliefs translate into real-world interactions, especially with those who disagree. Drawing from Rosaria Butterfield's experience as a former lesbian academic who came to faith through Christians who showed her "radical, ordinary hospitality," Pastor Brandon emphasizes that our approach to difficult topics must be guided by both truth and grace.
This comprehensive framework offers Christians a pathway through the confusion of competing voices and contradictory claims. By thinking logically, grounding ourselves in Scripture, studying diligently, considering opposing views, acknowledging biases, prioritizing issues appropriately, and applying truth with grace, believers can navigate even the most challenging topics with confidence and integrity.
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